KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — A status hearing for a current Gregg County commissioner charged with election fraud, along with three others, has been delayed until May 7. According to our news partner KETK, Shannon Brown, the Precinct 4 commissioner and three other individuals are charged in relation to a coordinated vote harvesting scheme from the 2018 Democratic primary election. Brown as well as, Marlena Jackson, Charlie Burns, and DeWayne Ward, are all charged in the case. Each of them are facing multiple counts of Engaging in Organized Election Fraud, Fraudulent Use of Mail Ballot Application, Unlawful Possession of Ballot/Ballot Envelope, Election Fraud, and Tampering With a Governmental Record.

TYLER — A former Hope Haven of East Texas employee will spend 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a resident last year. According to our news partner KETK, Aaron Williams, 41, was accused of taking a teenage girl, who was staying at Hope Haven, to the organization’s office building and raping her in his personal office. The ministry’s goal is to “provide a safe home environment, for abused and neglected girls in the foster care system.” Continue reading Former Hope Haven employee sentenced for raping resident

TYLER — A dozen students in Tyler ISD could be facing felony charges in relation to e-cigarettes. TISD’s Police Chief Danny Brown told KTBB Tuesday they are renewing an anti-vaping initiative. “First of all these devices are illegal for someone under 21, just the device itself. On the criminal side, just possession could be a class C misdemeanor, a fine of up to $100. The Judge at City Court determines that.” Chief Brown continued, “In addition to that is school consequences. It is a violation of student conduct to possess these devices on campus as well. The student may face time in the alternative school, and may face a fine or possibly a felony charge.” Continue reading Tyler ISD renews anti-vaping initiative

LONGVIEW — The Longview ISD board approved their 2021-2022 district calendar in session on Monday. Classes are scheduled to start Aug. 16 2021 and end May 25 2022. The district also hired the former Superintendent of Spring Hill. Wayne Guidry will now fill the role as Assistant Superintendent of Business, Transportation and Technology. Board members also hired John Wink as Coordinator of Policy and New Schools. To watch the LISD board meeting, click here.

TYLER — Two Tyler residents have been indicted for involvement in several fires at Coker Enterprises that took place last year. According to our news partner KETK, David Woods was charged with arson, while Jamie Mahon was charged with tampering or fabricating physical evidence. Two different fires occurred at Coker Enterprises in as many weeks, one on Sept. 30, 2020 and another on Oct. 12. Woods was charged in connection with the Oct. 12 incident and it is unclear if the September fire is related. Coker Enterprises is located on 7106 U.S. Highway 271 and sells tractors and outdoor power equipment products. No injuries were reported from either fire. Continue reading Suspects indicted in Coker Enterprises fire

TYLER — A dozen Tyler ISD students could possibly face felony violations in connection to e-cigarettes. TISD released a statement on Monday saying the district is renewing its anti-vaping initiative. According to our news partner KETK, they want to educate parents and students about the legal consequences that are associated with vaping when THC is involved. Tyler ISD Superintendent Marty Crawford is worried that a student could leave high school with a felony. Continue reading Tyler ISD students could face felony violations related to vaping

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County has cancelled jury duty for Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Smith County residents who were planning to report for jury duty tomorrow with their yellow cards DO NOT have to make the trip to the Smith County Courthouse. For more information about jury duty, click here.

MARSHALL — The Friends of Marshall Animals organization has presented a substantial donation for the construction of the new Marshall Pet Adoption Center. According to a press release Monday, from the City of Marshall, this is the first scheduled installment to raise $450,000 from private donors toward construction. The donation was made from contributors, FOMA officers, volunteers and many community members. Tax deductible contributions can be made here.

LONGVIEW — A savage fight in Longview, became the stage of an eventual murder scene, after David Pittman died. According to an arrest warrant obtained by our news partner KETK, police believe John Houston Brown, 39, killed Pittman January 11, after he died from multiple blows he suffered from the fight on Estes Parkway. Police received a 911 call, January 12, from a woman who claimed to be a neighbor saying she could see Pittman in his home and he looked unresponsive. When dispatchers tried to get more information from her, she hung up the phone. Shortly before 8 p.m. Officers arrived and discovered Pittman dead on a couch. Authorities believe, he had been dead hours “and there was blood everywhere.”

TYLER — The Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County was the recipient of a $20,000 check on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the donation was made from the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. The gift comes at no cost to taxpayers, since it is from asset forfeiture funds. The money is intended to be used for a capital campaign fund that will provide space for the growing number of children receiving help from the agency. Last year, the CASC did 873 forensic interviews, which shows an increase of 163% in the past eight years. You can learn more about the CACSC here.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Texas Department of Public Safety released a report Monday following an accident that killed a four year old and left two hospitalized. DPS says the one vehicle crash took place late Saturday night on I-20, five miles west of Van. The accident killed the young boy, and Guadalupe Bahena, 22, of Tyler and Hector Brito Hernandez, 23, of Tyler were flown to a Tyler hospital in serious condition. The crash occurred after Guadalupe ran off the roadway, over-corrected and the vehicle went into a side skid and overturn several times. The three were not wearing seat-belts and were ejected.

TYLER — The Tyler Trees Committee announced over 2,000 tree seedlings will be handed out a week from Saturday. The city said Monday, the giveaway event will be Feb. 20, starting at 9 a.m. at the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances South Tyler location, on S. Broadway Ave. Seedlings will be passed out on a first-come, first-served basis. The initiative is sponsored by CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, Arbor Gen and the Texas A&M Forestry Service. For more information click here.

TYLER — This week nearly 15,000 doses, to fight the coronavirus, are being sent to East Texas vaccination hubs. However, NET Health’s Terrance Ates tells KTBB patience is a virtue, “With a traditional model you want supply to meet demand, but supply is far less than community demand is.” Longview and Tyler continue as vaccine hubs for the week of Feb. 8, while Kilgore, Canton and Jacksonville have been added to the list of providers this week as well. The Department of State Health Services is anticipating shots being available to the general public this spring, however, that is dependent on vaccine supply. Continue reading More vaccines heading to the area

TYLER — The Tyler City Council will meet in regular session Wednesday. Council meetings are open to the public, citizens wanting to make public comment on agenda items can do so electronically, in-person or over the phone by calling (903) 363-0651. Electronic forms must be submitted by 7 a.m. on the date of the Council Meetings. To go to the public form click here. For more information, call (903) 531-1100. A maximum capacity of 36 people will be allowed in the City Council Chamber, of which 22 will be reserved for general members of the public not including the media.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man was found dead early Sunday morning, according to a release from local police. At 2:19 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunshots on North Eastman Road, just off Hwy. 259. According to our news partner KETK, when they arrived on the scene, they found 27-year-old Rashad McCray already dead. It was not immediately clear if the police had any suspects or persons of interest in the case. If you have any information on this matter, you are encouraged to contact Longview police or Gregg County Crime Stoppers.

BOISE, Idaho — A Tyler ISD graduate was one of three Idaho National Guard soldiers who were killed in a helicopter crash near Boise, Idaho, February 2. According to our news partner KETK, Jesse Anderson, 43, of Boise attended Robert E. Lee High School, now Tyler Legacy, in 1996. In Boise, Anderson was a Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was also senior instructor pilot and had served in the Idaho Army National Guard since 2008. Anderson had a wife and four children.

TYLER — Tyler residents and visitors now have one less Tex-Mex restaurant to enjoy — at least for now. Manny’s Tex-Mex Cafe on South Beckham shut down over the weekend. According to a Facebook post, the eatery’s ownership cites “mounting debt, taxes and COVID struggles.” The post continues, “By the Grace of our Lord, we’re going to reorganize and reopen under new ownership in a few weeks. We appreciate your wonderful support all these years and especially your friendship. Together with you in prayer and unity with our Lord, not only will we survive, WE WILL THRIVE!”

TYLER – The contractor plans to continue paving operations this coming week on the US 69 construction project at FM 346 in southern Smith County. It involves building a new US 69 bridge over FM 346. Planned work includes lane closures that will affect traffic, causing delays. According to TxDOT, motorists should allow extra time to reach their destinations. The plan is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen issues. Continue reading Traffic alert for US 69 at FM 346 project

ATLANTA, Ga. — Lindale’s own Miranda Lambert says she and her husband were involved in a minor hit and run on I-20 in Atlanta, Georgia, this past Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the country music star said the two were driving to Nashville when a small car with temporary plates, driving “erratically,” tried to “squeeze” between them and a semi truck going around 70 miles per hour. Lambert said the car hit the airstream and sent them into the left lane. “We fishtailed pretty good but got on the shoulder as quickly as possible to assess the damage,” Lambert said. Nobody was hurt, but nobody stopped either and the car sped away, according to Lambert. “Thank the good Lord,” she said. “We are so thankful that nothing worse happened.” Lambert said the couple’s vehicle and trailer were still driveable so they were able to drive it home.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Henderson County sheriff’s deputies – with the assistance of area law officers – raided a trailer home south of Chandler Friday and rescued 67 dogs, charging the owner with animal cruelty. That’s according to a news release from Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, who said law enforcement has “been on this case for the past couple of weeks.” Barbara Ann Ramsey, 65, was arrested; she lived at the home on Deer Run Road. Hillhouse says the dogs were living in feces and urine and generally unsanitary conditions inside the trailer house. Continue reading Sheriff: dog rescue raid saves 67, suspect charged

WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert issued a statement Friday on the accusation he broke the new House Rule on metal detectors. Gohmert says, “This should come as no surprise, but Democrats are making up the rules as they go. For weeks, I have complied with Speaker Pelosi’s unconstitutional metal detector policy.

“Yesterday, after complying with the metal detector screening, I was allowed to enter the House session where debate was occurring. Knowing that I would soon be giving a speech, I stepped off the House floor to use the restroom right beside the Speaker’s lobby as I have done many times since the metal detectors have been installed.” Continue reading Gohmert issues statement on fine and metal detector

PALESTINE — Six stolen vehicles were discovered by Palestine police after a high-speed chase. According to police, Frank Potts, 45, was arrested after the incident late Thursday night. A vehicle that had been reported stolen from Jacksonville earlier in the day, was discovered at a convenience store. A pursuit began on Highway 84, with speeds reaching in excess of 100 m.p.h. Law enforcement continued to chase the vehicle on FM 1137, and they arrived at a residence on FM 1137. Potts of Palestine, eventually got out of his car and ran away into a wooded area. He was captured by officers. Police obtained a search warrant and found the stolen vehicles on Pott’s property.

TYLER — A medical school is one step closer to becoming a reality in East Texas. UT Health Science Center at Tyler, which is an instructional site of UT Tyler, said Friday, that the Liaison Committee on Medical Education classified UTHSC as an “applicant” school for LCME accreditation. This body, is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for medical education programs that led to Doctor of Medicine degrees in the U.S. and Canada. The LCME accreditation, is the avenue that institutions become eligible for federal grants and programs. Continue reading One step closer to an East Texas medical school

TYLER — Good news from local health officials heading into Super Bowl Weekend. Piney Woods Trauma Service Area G, which makes up 19 counties including Smith and Gregg County, are no longer in an area with high hospitalization due to COVID-19 numbers. Hospital capacity fell below 15% on January 29, and has maintained below the threshold for 7 consecutive days, which means that now businesses can now increase capacity to 75%. Health care workers are still urging people to follow social distancing protocol to help limit a risk of a surge in TSA-G. Find out how to slow the spread by clicking here.

WHITEHOUSE — A specialty tea has made its return to Daily Fix Nutrition in Whitehouse. The arrowhead energy tea is a brew, made in honor of hometown hero Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. According to our news partner KETK, yellow fades into orange which fades into red in this ombre tea, with Daily Fix Nutrition’s signature sticker on the side of it. Ombre is the French word for “color that is shaded or graduated in tone.” The color-changing, liquid horsepower, made its first arrival last year in conjunction with Patrick’s first Super Bowl against San Francisco, which the Chiefs won, 31-20.

LONGVIEW — A Gregg County Justice of the Peace suffered a heart attack Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Tim Bryan, is being treated in Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center. County Judge Bill Stoudt confirmed Bryan is in intensive care. Bryan serves as judge in Precinct 2. In a post on social media, Gregg County District Attorney Tom Watson, urged residents to partner their faith and spirituality. “Our great Judge Tim Bryan needs our prayers immediately. All prayer warriors please go to work and pray for Judge Bryan’s healing.” Judge Bryan was presented a pin for 20 years of service in Gregg County, earlier this month.

LONGVIEW — A Laneville man was arrested on murder charges Thursday night in Gregg County. According to our news partner KETK, John Houston Brown, 39, was placed in the Gregg County Jail shortly after 11 p.m. It is unclear as of this writing what case this may relate to, but records indicate the incident took place January 11. Longview police and the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office were not involved in Brown’s arrest, since it was an “Out of County agency.” An indictment was handed up, one day after the alleged murder took place.

LONGVIEW — A shot police officer’s assailant , pleaded guilty, Thursday, to attempted capital murder charges. Randy Carl Jeffrey, 34, of Mount Pleasant, admitted he shot a Longview officer, William Smeltzer, several times, just before Christmas Eve in 2018. Officer Smeltzer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and returned fire in pursuit of Jeffrey, who was hit, and jailed after being treated. Per standard procedure, the Texas Rangers investigated the incident and cleared Officer Smeltzer, of any wrongdoing. Likewise, a grand jury unanimously found Smeltzer’s use of force appropriate and warranted.

WHITEHOUSE — The East Texas town of Whitehouse is celebrating native son Patrick Mahomes, as he gets ready for his second super bowl on Sunday. James Wansley is the mayor of Whitehouse. “There’s a hashtag group, #PatWhereYouAt, that’s going around on facebook in the same spirit as Elf on the Shelf. We have a life-size cardboard cut out of Patrick Mahomes that’s been making its way around the city. You never know where he’s going to show up.” Mahomes is a 2014 graduate of Whitehouse High School and still has a lot of family in the area. The mayor, also proclaimed Sunday as “Patrick Mahomes Day.”